Larry Gardner Foster

LISBON FALLS – Larry G. Foster passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, just shy of his 89th birthday, at Marshwood Center in Lewiston. His loving wife of more than 59 years, Ester, visited him daily for the seven months of his stay at Marshwood.

Larry was born in Livermore Falls, April 26, 1936, the son of James and Madeleine Collins Foster. He was the youngest of four brothers. He graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1954.

Larry served in the Navy for four years following high school graduation. He served on the DD 758 USS Strong and the DD 704 USS Borie, visiting the Mediterranean twice and the Caribbean three times. Many heard stories from this time in his life.

Following his Navy service he attended Farmington State Teacher’s College, receiving a degree in Education in 1962. Larry spent two years teaching before recognizing it wasn’t the career for him. He took the Civil Service Entrance Exam and began a career as a computer programmer in Silver Spring, Md. in 1965. In 1966, Larry transferred to Brunswick Naval Air Station where he held different positions until his retirement in 1998.

Larry met his future wife, Ester Philippon, during his short time teaching. They dated for two years and once he secured proper living accommodations and an acceptable job in Silver Spring, Md., he asked her to marry him. Within two weeks, a large wedding was pulled together in Winthrop, Maine and the couple began their married life in Silver Spring, Md. The next year, the couple returned to Maine, living briefly in Brunswick before buying a home in Lisbon Falls where they raised their family and enjoyed a long retirement. His hobbies included playing cards, shooting pool, reading news articles, sawing and splitting firewood, fishing Redwater Brook, hiking Tumbledown Mountain, and going for daily walks. Many people, friends and family alike, shared these pastimes with him. He was a generous, welcoming host and a wonderful listener, giving people the space they needed to be heard, often with a twinkle in his eye.

Larry was an involved parent and grandparent, whether that meant getting the children outdoors and out of their mother’s hair, or holding and quieting a fussy baby, or supporting an antsy toddler learning to walk, or attending a myriad of sporting events over the years or listening to grandkids tell him about their adventures.

Larry is survived by Ester, his wife of 59 1/2 years; his son, John Foster of Fort Collins, Colo., his daughter, Joan Foster Ford (Troy), also of Fort Collins, Colo.; grandchildren Madeleine Foster, Noah Ford, Laura Ford, and Robin Ford. He is also survived by a brother, Robert (Barbara) Foster of Jackman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers Merriman Foster and Stuart Foster, and brother-in-law, Leo Philippon.

The family would like to thank the staff of Marshwood Center along with the staff from Andwell Hospice for their services, support, and loving care. It made such a difference for everyone.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. Arrangements by Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls.